Michelle Manus

@michellemanus

Is tentatively back online. Still vicariously living my dreams of having badass magical powers and destroying evil men through the characters I write. michellemanus.com

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Michelle Manus@michellemanus· 23d

If you haven't read the series but you're thinking, "Wow, the author's pet piece of dialogue in the Book 7 promo really has inspired me to want to, start with Chaos. When your life sucks, becoming the guardian of a Waystation between worlds sounds like a pretty good gig. books2read.com/u/mV66Jp

Promo graphic for Guardian of Chaos by Michelle Manus. Features the cover against a blue galaxy background.
Top text reads: Available now in ebook, paperback, and audio!
Bottom text reads: Available to read in Kobo Plus!
Middle text is an excerpt from the book, which reads: In that instant of connection, she knew that this was no fever-dream brought on by a coma. This wasn't insanity. What it was sang in her veins, her blood, her bones, as if she was made for it and it for her: portal. She hovered over a portal, and the song it sang promised it could take her to a thousand different worlds.

Michelle Manus@michellemanus· 23d

In case you were wondering, my promotional style is just "Here is a graphic with one of my favorite lines of dialogue from the work." Anyway, Guardian of Exile, book seven in the series, coming IN LESS THAN A MONTH. Universal link: books2read.com/u/b6DeMx Individual store links in thread.

Promo image for the book Guardian of Exile by Michelle Manus. Features the paperback and ebook covers of the book set against a black and teal starry night sky.
Top Text: Preorder now: available 08.11.26
Bottom Text: www.michellemanus.com
Middle text is a quote from the book, which reads: "I am aflutter with anticipation to hear my remaining faults of logic."
Nyx very much doubted Jevryn A-Morridahn had ever been "aflutter" with anything.

Michelle Manus@michellemanus· 27d

It's less than a month until Guardian of Exile releases! Despite a rough writing year, I am very proud of this book and excited for everyone to read it. I can't believe we're on #7. When I started this series, I had no idea it would be this long. books2read.com/u/b6DeMx

Michelle Manus@michellemanus· Jul 12

Audiobooks.com is running the third book in the Nyx series for 60% off through the end of July! It's a perfect time to catch up on the series! www.audiobooks.com/promotions/p...

The audiobook cover of Guardian of Madness is set against a background of green foliage. Text reads: Guardian of Madness Michelle Manus 60% off

Michelle Manus@michellemanus· Jun 30

Good to know that when I'm at peak stress my cat is living her best life.

A gray cat is lying on her back on a blanket covered couch, her paws up on the air. The sunlight is streaming on her and she is wearing a contented expression.

Michelle Manus@michellemanus· Jun 27

I don't catch many rolling videos anymore now that my pony lives on 40 acres with friends, but he says sometimes you just can't beat a roll in a nice sand arena. Really rubs the dirt in, you know?

Michelle Manus@michellemanus· Jun 21

This is the beautiful premade cover I bought for it from @skyladawn.ca and someday I will actually finish the book and get the real title on here.

A premade cover showing a cloaked woman holding two swords. She is standing with her foot propped on a rock, a raven next to her and a castle in the background against a lightning-split sky.

Michelle Manus@michellemanus· Jun 21

It is both the solstice and my birthday. Because shorter days make me very happy, I am celebrating with 25% off all of my books on my direct store. Celebrate shorter days. Read books. payhip.com/michellemanus Discount Code: SOLSTICE25

Promo graphic showing all of Michelle Manus's books currently available for purchase, including A Song to Wake a Thousand Sorrows, all six of the currently published Nyx Fortuna books, and the boxset of the Aspect Society trilogy.

Top text reads: 25% off on payhip with code SOLSTICE25.
Bottom text reads: pay hip.com/michellemanus

Michelle Manus@michellemanus· Jun 20

2 Boxsets for $20/£15 is a great deal, and the first three books in my contemporary fantasy series are included! Welcome to Earth Between. The inhabitants are magical, the fugitives dashing, and the new Guardian is having a seriously strange life. www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/...

Promo for the boxset of the first three books in the Nyx Fortuna series by Michelle Manus. Features the boxset cover in the lefthand corner. Top text reads: Fantasy meets sci-fi when Nyx becomes the guardian of a waystation between worlds.
Middle text is a quote from a Goodreads reviewer which reads: "Rampaged through this series in under a week...loved the universe created, the characters, the battles (both physical and emotional) and the character development. All the stars, can't wait for the next one."

Michelle Manus@michellemanus· Jun 20

Apparently my response to the state of modernity is to increase my collection of reference books. In addition to many niche interest titles, I have an encyclopedia set, a copy of the Chicago Manual of Style, and today's latest addition to the collection:

A large hardcover copy of the Oxford American Writer's Thesaurus, Third Edition.

The Oxford American Writer's Thesaurus, open to a page in the "L" section.

Michelle Manus@michellemanus· Jun 20

The audio for my epic fantasy full of female rage and also horses is 70% off on audiobooks.com until the 29th! Over 21 hours of listening for only $9. www.audiobooks.com/promotions/p...

Promo image for the audiobook A Song to Wake a Thousand Sorrows by Michelle Manus. Features the audio cover on the righthand side against a snowy backdrop with a sword.

On the lefthand side, text reads: In the Faelhorn Provinces, Clare Brighton is determined to make a new life for herself, far from the horrors of her past. But the very power that helped her escape them may prove more dangerous than anything she left behind...

Below that is a button-style box that reads 70% off

Michelle Manus@michellemanus· Jun 20

My cat has never once scratched this scratcher but she does occasionally condescend to loaf in it.

A gray cat is lying on her stomach in a u-shaped corrugated scratcher. Her paws are tucked beneath her and she looks like a feudal lord surveying her kingdom

Michelle Manus@michellemanus· Jun 19

I got mine this morning, so maybe they're emailing in batches? It's extra frustrating because their email language is specifically "from those avoiding AI" to those actively using it, and the survey is very clearly "So you're totally using it, right?"

Michelle Manus@michellemanus· Jun 19

Alli's new author survey on AI use dropped today, and their email said they wanted to see how people are using it, from those who do, to those who avoid it entirely. Funny then how the only option in the survey for those who don't use it is labeled "AI Minimal".

A screenshot of a survey question.

2. Which of the best describes your current approach to AI in your writing and publishing?
1) AI-Minimal -- I only use physical processes and human assistance, or I shun generative AI and use only basic tools e.g. spellcheckers
2)AI-Assisted (publishing only_ -- I use AI assistance for select publishing tasks e.g. market research, design, database management
3) AI-Assisted (publishing and writing)--I also use AI assistance for select writing tasks e.g. ideation, editing, research
4)AI-Integrated--I use AI across all my writing and publishing processes
5)I don't know/am still figuring it out

Michelle Manus@michellemanus· Jun 14

Nyx Fortuna has always wanted somewhere to belong. When she becomes the Guardian of a waystation between worlds, it finally feels like home. But no haven comes without a price, and she'll have to fight for what she comes to love. #booksky Direct: payhip.com/b/GUeEk Retail: books2read.com/u/mV66Jp

All 7 covers of the Nyx Fortuna series by Michelle Manus are displayed against a starry backdrop. Top text reads: Fantasy meets sci-fi when Nyx becomes the Guardian of a Waystation between worlds. Bottom text is two five-star reviews. First review says: "This is an amazing fantasy story. The author has the ability to wrap her words around very deep and complex feelings." -Goodreads reviewer on Guardian of Chaos. Second review says: "Rampaged through this series in under a week...loved the universe created, the characters, the battles (both physical and emotiona!) and the character development. All the stars, can't wait for the next one." -Goodreads reviewer on Guardian of Wrath

Michelle Manus@michellemanus· Jun 11

Sorry, just catching up on Bsky! My highlighting is not pretty lol but here we go. I mostly tend to highlight things that I just like that I find resonant; most of my murder-board building is just post-its. I still need to redo my post-its on the third book because I ran out of pretty ones.

A stack of Waverly Jones hardcovers by Skyla Dawn Cameron. The photo is taken to prominently display the many sticky notes that are in the books, revealing the reader's obsession with marking clues in the mystery series.

A short passage from a physical book, showing that one of the sentences is highlighted.

Unhilighted portion is dialogue that reads. "I don't like the idea of anyone losing a family member or not having answers," I say, which is really only a partial truth at best.

Highlighted section reads: I care, sort of, but my caring is a curiosity more than anything. I like puzzles. I like mysteries. I like to fix things"

Michelle Manus@michellemanus· Jun 7

The day the herd gets turned out to pasture: Me, seeing my horse from afar: "Hey, buddy! I missed you!" Horse: Ignores me. Me: Gets distracted by birds while walking. Horse: If I walk behind this bush while she's not looking she'll never find me. Me, looks up: Cheyenne, your rump is sticking out.

A bay horse's tail, rump and hind legs are visible while the rest of his body is obscured behind a small tree. He clearly thinks this is a genius plan to hide from his human so he can keep eating grass instead of going to do exercise.

Michelle Manus@michellemanus· May 25

My writing partner has brought her A-game this morning.

An adorable gray cat is sleeping on her side on a black and white blanket. Her front paws are tucked in while her back legs are stretched out, revealing magnificent toe beans

Michelle Manus@michellemanus· May 24

Trad publishers will put hundreds of thousands of dollars behind marketing campaigns of whatever they think/want the Next Big Author to be. ARCs sent to bookstores will often include this information. Here's the back cover/inside cover of a recent ARC for a debt author(identifying details withheld)

The back of a book ARC showing "Six-Figure Marketing and Publicity Campaign--Details Inside!"

The inside details of the six-figure marketing and publicity campaign:
* Prepublication Buzz and Preorder Campaign
*REDACTED Imprint Launch Campaign
*National Publicity Campaign
*National Author Tour
*National Advertising Campaign
*Trade and Review Advertising
*Major Retail Merchandising
*Early Reads Campaign
*Promotional REDACTED Bookmark
*7-Copy Indie Prepace with Bookmarks REDACTED
*Fan Engagement Campaign
*REDACTED Community Promotion
*Influencer Campaign
*Extensive Social Media Outreach
*REDACTED.com and REDACTED.com Promotions
*Librarian Outreach

Michelle Manus@michellemanus· May 18

And proceeds to give an explanation of my book that is a near copy of my jacket copy. It's common in these scams to find different ways to say what your book description is, but this one is so bad it pulls direct phrases from my description. Email on left, my book description on right.

Screenshot of an email paragraph that reads:

I came across Truthfinder's Promise (Aspect Society Book 3) and what I found was a gripping, emotionally charged paranormal romance. When Meredith Townsend rescues a dog from a madman’s compound, her magic tells her something is wrong. That “dog” turns out to be Jensen King the man she had a passionate affair with before he vanished who is actually a werewolf. Now she must help him rescue his sister and other shifters from an underground magical auction, all while the threat of war between Aspect and Shifter societies looms. As old feelings reignite, they must decide if love can bridge their very different worlds.

Screenshot of a book description which reads:

Even the magically inclined know werewolves don’t exist. So why is her new rescue dog suddenly taking human form?

When Meredith Townsend finds a dog locked in a basement at a madman's compound, her magic immediately senses a lie. She knows it isn't simply a dog, but she never expects a werewolf—since everyone knows they don't exist.

But not only does this rescue "dog" take human form, he happens to be none other than Jensen King, the man she had a torridly hot affair with—before he disappeared without a trace. Now he needs Meredith's help to find his sister—and the other Shifters stolen from his enclave—before they're sold to the highest bidder at an underground magical auction.

If Meredith and Jensen fail, war looms on the horizon between Aspect and Shifter societies. If they succeed, do two people from such a different background have a chance at making love work?

Michelle Manus@michellemanus· May 18

I've mostly gotten all the AI scam emails to go straight to spam, but every now and then one slips through. This one was particularly egregious so I thought I'd share. They start the email by assuring me that this isn't a template email from someone who has never read my book...

Screenshot of the start of an email, which reads:

Hello Michelle,

My name is Julie Lawson, and I hope you don't mind me reaching out directly. I want to say something upfront that I genuinely mean. I know how many unsolicited emails land in an author's inbox. Most of them are instantly recognisable. Templated. Written by someone who clearly never engaged with the work. That is not how I work. Before I ever write to an author, I take real time with their work. I think carefully about what they have built and whether I have anything honest and useful to offer. If I don't, I don't reach out. With you, I did. And here is why.

Michelle Manus@michellemanus· May 10

The start of fly season is always so fun, it's like "Wow! There's $500 gone that probably won't deter flies but I'll feel like a bad mother if I don't spend it." Anyway, good thing this little fucker is cute.

A close-up of a bay horse's face, wearing a black rope halter. He is looking inquisitively into the distance while standing in a creek.

Michelle Manus@michellemanus· May 9

The fourth book in my Nyx Fortuna contemporary fantasy series is 60% off on audiobooks.com through June 2nd! If you're midway through, it's a great time to snap up the fourth installment. www.audiobooks.com/promotions/p...

A promo image for the audiobook of Guardian of Torment by Michelle Manus. Features the audiobook cover on the right (cover depicts a brunette woman standing in front of a griffin. She is holding a bo staff in her left hand) against a stormy, fantasy-esque mountain background. Image text reads: Guardian of Torment. Michelle Manus. 60% off.

Michelle Manus@michellemanus· May 2

Oops, mine now.

A collage of three premade urban fantasy covers for a trilogy. They feature the same model, who is just effortlessly cool in jean shorts, fishnets, and a white t-shirt. Her hair is blonde and pink and on various covers she is holding a sword or a gun, and 10/10 she looks like she would solve your problems while blowing a bubblegum bubble and not breaking a sweat.

Michelle Manus@michellemanus· Apr 18

Anyway, read my always-dark-despite-rumors-to-the-contrary series. Especially if you like books that have been DNF'd for reasons such as "I didn't want to cry for 2 chapters, or "too political". Direct: payhip.com/b/GUeEk Elsewhere: books2read.com/u/mV66Jp Remember the graphic⬇️ Read with caution.

Top text reads: Let's break down a contemporary fantasy series together. Beneath this are the covers of Books 1-6 in the Nyx Fortuna series, with text to the side of each. Book 1: "Deals with an unfair prison system that results in an entire displaced people, child trafficking and death." Book 2: "Deals with a black market that preys upon the desperate and has a literal slave market." Book 3: "Deals with a corrupt governing body that created the current system at the cost of multiple genocides." Book 4: "Deals with parental trauma, off-page past SA of a secondary character, and the torture of a person for decades for political gain." Book 5: "Deals with an exiled people trying to reclaim their home planet from people who have displaced them to gain rights over a valuable resource." Book 6: Deals with overcoming personal loss, seeking justice, and learning to lean on your found family."

Below this is a 2-star graphic, and a Goodreads review on the 6th book, which reads: "No. I was reading something fun and it turned dark right at the end? No thanks."

Below this is a 3 star graphic of a Goodreads review on the 6th book which reads: "This book (and the end of the previous book) reflects a shift in tone and theme to a much darker and depressing feel than her previous works."

Michelle Manus@michellemanus· Apr 18

Yes the world sucks but a girl's gotta get by in a capitalist society so DID YOU KNOW I have a book on sale? For the PNR crowd that likes the worldbuilding depth of UF. Direct: payhip.com/b/lSaqU Kobo: www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/... Kindle: www.amazon.com/Truthfinders... Other retailer links in 🧵

Promo graphic for Truthfinder's Promise by Michelle Manus. Features the book cover against a teal background. T the left of the book cover is a pinned note that says: Meredith Townsend's personal To Do List: - Be depressed about existence - Dance on abusive mother's grave - Figure out what to do with my life. To the right of the book cover is another pinned note that says: Fate's To Do List for Meredith Townsend: -Discover hot ex-fling is a werewolf - Prevent Aspect/Shifter Society war - Figure out how relationships work. At the bottom, SALE is written in large letters and the book's regular price of 7.99 is marked out, with the sale price of .99 clearly displayed

Michelle Manus@michellemanus· Apr 16

I think Mr. Sox might be in love with Cheyenne.

A bay horse has his face lowered towards a tabby cat, who is lying on his right side. The cat is looking back at the horse with an adoring expression on his face.

Michelle Manus@michellemanus· Apr 16

Still BFFs. It's nearly a full minute but worth getting to the end. Comes with soothing bird sounds in the background.

Michelle Manus@michellemanus· Apr 5

Happy Necromancer Appreciation Day to all who celebrate. Post your favorite necromancer. Mine is Eric Carter: www.stephenblackmoore.com/eric-carter-...

The book cover for Stephen Blackmoore's Dead Things. Features a tattooed white man in a suit standing against a fiery backdrop.

Michelle Manus@michellemanus· Apr 5

The "authors promote their books too much" discourse is reminding 90% of us that we haven't promoted our books lately. So anyway, I have a contemporary fantasy series that will absolutely make you feel feels and wreck you later. Buy Direct: payhip.com/b/GUeEk Buy Elsewhere: books2read.com/u/mV66Jp